Skin Absorption

[quietmorning01]

Hi, Everyone,

I have read in a few places here that topical Gluten can't set off the symptoms - I've also read in a few place that shampoo, conditioner, etc might want to be checked as it can get into your mouth while showering.

I have allergies to metals and have to be very careful about what kind of jewelry I wear (I usually don't wear jewelry) . . . because the metals are absorbed by my skin. This is not a 'skin' irritation allergy, it's a full blown swelling systemic allergy.

If my doctor described this thing correctly to me, there are those who are Gluten Intolerant (faulty or missing stomach enzyme that cannot digest the protein correctly as in lactose intolerance) and those who are Gluten Allergic - those who have an allergic response to the protein.

Are there many of you that absolutely cannot wear a lotion with gluten in it?

Is there actually a difference between Gluten Intolerance and Gluten Allergic, or is my doc confused?

Are there any links you could please refer me to?

Thank you!

[RiceGuy]

There has been some debate whether gluten can cause a reaction just sitting on the skin. However, some do report skin reactions, so it appears clear to me. The thing about lotions, soaps and shampoos, makeup, etc, is that it's nearly impossible to avoid getting some ingested. For instance, you use a soap or lotion on your hands, then eat a sandwich, crackers, or other finger-food. In this case, you will have contaminated the food. It becomes only a matter of degree. That is, how much gets ingested verses how much it takes to trigger a reaction.

Additionally, it doesn't require getting something in your mouth in order to get it inside your body. The ears, eyes, nose, etc all provide a way for substances to get in. Inhaling flour dust has already been found to cause the immune reaction, so it doesn't take the gluten getting into your intestine to do it. The antibodies circulate throughout the body, so a reaction in one area means antibodies everywhere there's blood supply.

There is a difference between gluten intolerance and Celiac. But as for the difference between an allergy to gluten, and an intolerance, that line is a bit less clear to me. However, I believe it may still boil down to the immune system's reaction. But I'm not sure there's really much of a difference in terms of a person's everyday life. Either way, you need to avoid exposure.

One great place to start reading is celiac.com of course. Another good place for info is Open Original Shared Link.

[quietmorning01]

Thank you, RiceGuy!

This brought up a discussion between my husband and I last night - he eats a sandwhich . . .and then kisses me?

**rolls eyes**

I just can't do anything simple. . . **laughing**

I appreciate your response. . .things are a little clearer now.

[RiceGuy]

Thank you, RiceGuy!

This brought up a discussion between my husband and I last night - he eats a sandwhich . . .and then kisses me?

**rolls eyes**

I just can't do anything simple. . . **laughing**

I appreciate your response. . .things are a little clearer now.

Yes, there have been long discussions on this board about getting glutened by a kiss. It does indeed happen, and it is a valid concern which you must discuss with your husband. He needs to understand the importance of brushing/gargling, and/or whatever other steps to take. Searching the board for it should provide you with some threads to read through.

[psawyer]

Is there actually a difference between Gluten Intolerance and Gluten Allergic, or is my doc confused?

An allergy is usually to a specific form of gluten, most commonly wheat. An allergy is different from gluten intolerance, and the two are independent. You can have one, or the other, or both.

An allergic response is rapid and is generally in the form of skin reaction or respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can occur, which is immediately life-threatening.

Intolerance may be the inability to digest something, or in the case of celiac disease, result in an autoimmune response whereby the body produces antibodies which in turn attack the body's healthy tissue.

[quietmorning01]

Yes, there have been long discussions on this board about getting glutened by a kiss. It does indeed happen, and it is a valid concern which you must discuss with your husband. He needs to understand the importance of brushing/gargling, and/or whatever other steps to take. Searching the board for it should provide you with some threads to read through.

**laughing** I just told my husband. . .his quote was, "What fun."

So much for spontainity, huh?

[quietmorning01]

An allergy is usually to a specific form of gluten, most commonly wheat. An allergy is different from gluten intolerance, and the two are independent. You can have one, or the other, or both.

An allergic response is rapid and is generally in the form of skin reaction or respiratory distress. Anaphylaxis can occur, which is immediately life-threatening.

Intolerance may be the inability to digest something, or in the case of celiac disease, result in an autoimmune response whereby the body produces antibodies which in turn attack the body's healthy tissue.

Yikes!! Thank you for the difference!! I've been in anaphylaxis many many times in my life. . .so no fun.